Becoming a Childminder

Childminding has become one of the most important aspects of any working mother’s life in the last two decades. With the numbers of working mothers now increasing dramatically as each year passes, due to the financial pressures of having a family, mothers are finding that they need to turn to others to help care for their children during the working week.

Many mothers – where possible – will have their mothers look after the children if it is plausible and logistically possible but this is not always the case and in these instances a working mother must look at the prospect of utilising the services of a full time childminder.

What is a Childminder?

At one time a childminder might have been a close friend – or family friend – who was reimbursed for their time looking after a friend’s children on a mutually beneficial scale. But as time has passed and legislation has changed it has become necessary now for all childminders to be registered and assessed before they can look after the children of anyone else.

Caring for a child – even if it is only for a few hours at a time – is not simply the ability to look after your own children. Most childminders have children of their own and this in itself can become an issue and should be addressed at the very outset if your children can cope with the upset of having other children spend long periods of time with them. And also – something that many childminders neglect to take into account – the drains on a parent’s time with their own children whilst looking after someone else’s.

Becoming a Childminder

To become a registered childminder you must first meet the guidelines laid down by Ofsted; guidelines that are supported by a home visit – or a visit to the location where you plan to carry out your childminding duties.This location – be it at home or somewhere else – must be safe from the dangers that face young children and must also be stimulating for them also.

Ofsted also require new childminders to carry out a Paediatric first-aid course (first aid for children) as well as introductory courses in childminding and you must also have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (formerly CBS check). An enhanced DBS check as you will hear them commonly referred to as – is required by law by anyone who works with children, the elderly or other groups regarded as being vulnerable.

Without a DBS check Ofsted will refuse you the right to operate as a childminder and likewise – you may not commence operating as a childminder without this disclosure being sought and made available to both Ofsted and your local authority – be they the council or local Social Services. In most instances you will be required to fund the cost of a Criminal Records Disclosure yourself.

Once you have received your accreditation from Ofsted – along with the accompanying certificate, which you must display and have available to show any potential clients – you may begin availing of your services as a childminder.

Self Employment

You are required to set your own fees and your own working hours and under government law if you wish to care for more than six children at a time you must reapply to Ofsted as they will normally only cover you for up to six.

As a childminder you can apply for a start-up grant, which will help to cover the costs of starting your business but it is important to remember that you are self employed so in the eyes of the law you are responsible for the paying of your own taxes and National Insurance contributions. Ofsted can provide you with more information on this as too can Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Qualifications & Experience

During your time as a childminder you can also enhance your capabilities by enrolling for the home-based Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP), which is the first module in a four module Diploma qualification (Diploma in Home-Based Childcare).This qualification, upon completion and award, is the equivalent to an NVQ level 3 qualification and is now the industry standard for childminding.

In addition it is also worth mentioning that as well as these theoretical qualifications a lot of practical experience is necessary and it is wise to bear in mind the stresses and strains of looking after the children of others.

As it is stressful for the child/children’s mother so can it be stressful for a childminder so it is best not to spread yourself too thinly. If you can only manage to maintain the attention and interest of two or three children at a time then it is best to stick to that number of child to look after.

Above all however it is something you must enjoy and also the children must enjoy. If all parties involved are happy childminding can be a mutually rewarding and life enhancing experience

Hi, I am currently a child home carer (nanny) I am looking at setting up as a childminder in my own home. I currently have DBS and paediatric first aid certificate and have NVQ lvl 2&3 as an early years practioner. Would I still need to do a childminding course?

Cjt - 29-Aug-18 @ 12:22 PM

Hi
Am looking to become a child minder after being a TA for some years now
Will my teaching assistant course cover me for this
Thanks in advance

Khurshid - 28-Oct-17 @ 12:18 AM

My son is looked after by a teacher assistant. I was wondering if she is OFSTED registered or she needs to apply for it.

Ryan - 10-Oct-17 @ 4:27 PM

Dawn J - Your Question:

Hi there, can you tell me please I am interested in a career change to childminding, I currently work with adults with disabilities and hold an HNC in social care and an svq3 in health and social care - what qualifications would I need?

Our Response:

In addition to the information in this article, you can see more via the gov.uk link here which should tell you all you need to know.

WorkingWithKids - 18-Jul-17 @ 10:04 AM

Hi there, can you tell me please I am interested in a career change to childminding, I currently work with adults with disabilities and hold an HNC in social care and an svq3 in health and social care - what qualifications would I need?

Dawn J - 16-Jul-17 @ 9:21 PM

Shazza - Your Question:

I'm level 3 now in childcare dbs checked 1st aid peadriatic how do I become a childminder

Our Response:

Before registering, all childminders have to be registered on the Early Years Register and/or the Childcare Register, hold an up to date paediatric first aid certificate, be DBS checked, complete an introductory childcare course and have appropriate insurance cover, including Public Liability Insurance. You can see more via the gov.uk link here. I hope this helps answer your question.

WorkingWithKids - 3-May-17 @ 11:10 AM

I'm level 3 now in childcare dbs checked 1st aid peadriatic how do I become a childminder

Shazza - 2-May-17 @ 7:29 PM

My mum is a registered childminder, can she look after my children even though we all live in the same house
Thanks

Jmb - 22-Apr-17 @ 9:47 AM

Ilyfa - Your Question:

I am looking to become a childminder I have a 19 year old son. What type of disclosure will I need for him? Would I need a basic standard or an enhanced? Please answer asap. Thank you very much in advance

Our Response:

Any individual working regularly or unsupervised with children or adults in a vulnerable position will qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check. Your son would qualify for the same.

WorkingWithKids - 18-Nov-16 @ 12:18 PM

I am looking to become a childminder I have a 19 year old son. What type of disclosure will I need for him? Would I need a basic standard or an enhanced? Please answer asap.Thank you very much in advance

Ilyfa - 17-Nov-16 @ 8:35 PM

jaynee1111 - Your Question:

I think that children should come first and that this site is very useful to getting information for my college course

Our Response:

We are glad you find the site useful.

WorkingWithKids - 30-Jun-16 @ 10:26 AM

i think that children should come first and that this site is very useful to getting information for my college course

jaynee1111 - 29-Jun-16 @ 11:14 AM

han - Your Question:

Hi I have recently started with a new childminder but I am now desperate to leave but have signed a contract. She does school collection from two schools for my 3 children but I was informed by the school she sends her daughter for my 7 and 9 yr old not herself. Also when I requested a bill she said shedors this verbally and told me a figure. I queried amount and next day was told a revised amount very much different to the first so I insisted on a paper invoice. She has now emailed me a revised bill 3 times in different layouts but yet again for a different balance but now much more accurate. I am so concerned that firstly a non registered person is collecting my children and also that the verbal figure was so much more than actual amount. Do I have to honour the contract and pay for 3 children for 4 weeks. Im not sending them as I do not feel they should be taken to school by her daughter

Our Response:

I suggest you have a look in the terms and conditions of your contract, and bring your complaint up to your childminder directly and ask to be released from the contract due to a perceived breach. If the childminder refuses, then you will have to seek legal advice.

WorkingWithKids - 28-Jun-16 @ 12:49 PM

Hi i have recently started with a new childminder but i am now desperate to leave but have signed a contract. She does school collection from two schools for my 3 children but i was informed by the school she sends her daughter for my 7 and 9 yr old not herself. Also when i requested a bill she said shedors this verbally and told me a figure. I queried amount and next day was told a revised amount very much different to the first so i insisted on a paper invoice. She has now emailed me a revised bill 3 times in different layouts but yet again for a different balance but now much more accurate.
I am so concerned that firstly a non registered person is collecting my children and also that the verbal figure was so much more than actual amount. Do i have to honour the contract and pay for 3 children for 4 weeks. Im not sending them as i do not feel they should be taken to school by her daughter

han - 27-Jun-16 @ 9:07 PM

CJP - Your Question:

Hi, I am a primary school teacher- currently on maternity leave. I would like to register as a childminder. What training will I need to do? I have spent a year in teaching Reception so am experienced in delivering the early years curriculum.

Our Response:

I have included the National Careers link here which may help you further.

WorkingWithKids - 23-Jun-16 @ 1:58 PM

Hi, I am a primary school teacher- currently on maternity leave. I would like to register as a childminder. What training will I need to do? I have spent a year in teaching Reception so am experienced in delivering the early years curriculum.

CJP - 22-Jun-16 @ 9:09 PM

Hi a childminder I am aware of who got slated by Ofsted 10 months ago and then managed to be awarded outstanding through deceit and fabrication has a son who is in constant demand by the police with frequent Police visits. It is likely that he is about to be found guilty of a serious crime so would this need to be disclosed to Ofsted and the LADO?

Gabriel - 22-May-16 @ 8:53 AM

Alice - Your Question:

Hello I am looking into a childminder career and I don't know where to start , I have a son myself that's just started reception and I need a job that will suit my lifestyle as a single mum, I am very good with children but I haven't had any professional experience. Would someone be able to help me ?

Our Response:

You can find more details via the National Careers Service website, link here. I hope this helps.

WorkingWithKids - 9-Sep-15 @ 11:42 AM

Hello I am looking into a childminder career and I don't know where to start , I have a son myself that's just started reception and I need a job that will suit my lifestyle as a single mum, I am very good with children but I haven't had any professional experience. Would someone be able to help me ?

Alice - 8-Sep-15 @ 9:05 AM

SCHOOL NURSERY MATLOCK - NURSERY ASSISTANT I ASSISTEND AT MEAL TIMEAND GETTING THE CHILDREN READY IN THE EVENING TO GO HOME AND ASSITING WITH PLAY ACTIVITES AND SUPERVISING THE CHILDREN

ELIZABETH - 30-Jun-15 @ 2:02 PM

@Patsy - what about temping? I got in this way. There are some educational temping agencies that will let those who have little experience go in at the lowest rung. Once you have worked in one school and had a bit of experience, then it's really easy to get into others and on to a full-time job, if that's what you want.

Cass - 27-Apr-15 @ 2:56 PM

I would like to work as a teaching assistant. I've seen a lot of jobs advertised on my local authority's website but they all require child care qualifications or experience so it's a bit of a circular problem. I am well qualified academically. Is there a specific training course that I can do? I live in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester.
Thank you

Patsy - 24-Apr-15 @ 9:35 PM

@ l l - It is always difficult to guarantee work when self-employed, but there is never a shortage of good childminders needed. I have included a link to Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years here which should help you with more information.

WorkingWithKids - 27-Feb-15 @ 2:47 PM

I want to be a registered childminder but am worried about the steady income aspect. Whats the best way to advertise and how do i ensure i always have two children on board for me to survive financially? I would need two children in my care to manage financially.

I I - 26-Feb-15 @ 9:30 AM

i would like to help in a school i am a qualifed clasroom asitiant i would like to find a job either s as a voulteer or as a t.a can you please help me

sharpy - 5-Sep-14 @ 2:51 PM

Hi, i'm 26yrs old, I'm thinking of becoming a childminder as I lv being around children, I feel I belong, I have 2daughters myself, iv done emergency childcare 1st aid but needs updating, 4weeks worth of work exparence with children aged 3-7, also iv always babysat children and babies since I was a young teen, iv also looked after 11-13yr olds for friends and relatives before, iv also done my elementry food hygine, I was jus wondering if I need to study anything else? How would I get a crb check? Would my fiance need a crb check aswell? Were would i have to study? Would I need to pass my driving test and get a car? And how long would it take for me to be ready to start? Thanks for your time, looking forward to hearing from you.

lady - 2-Jun-14 @ 11:53 PM

Hi I'm just enquiring about what qualifications are needed to be a Childminder. I have a qualification at level 3 for Teaching Assistant.Would that help me in Childminding please?

Kate - 6-Nov-13 @ 4:33 PM

My back ground is working with Early Years and I haveover twenty years experiences one of my inspiritation is to work from home and be myown manager.

jackie - 10-Sep-13 @ 11:41 AM

I have NVQ2 also 3 my job role at moment is care assistant in adult care.what trying would I need to be a childminder very intrested in Caria change

teeps - 4-Jan-13 @ 10:56 PM

If a childminder has a criminal record , will a possible client be made aware of such information when searching for a childminder/ so that the parent can make an informed choice when deciding on whom to select to care for their child?Thank you.